Trapattoni assesses options

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has cast his net further afield as he prepares for next month’s World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria.

The Italian today named a 25-man squad for the friendly clash with Nigeria at Craven Cottage on Friday, May 29, and will select his 22 for the Group 8 trip to Sofia on June 6 from that group of players.

Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence’s form in his club’s successful fight for Premier League survival has been rewarded with a call-up, while there are places too for Preston defenders Eddie Nolan and Sean St Ledger, which will perhaps provide some consolation for their Coca-Cola Championship play-off disappointment.

There is also a place for 22-year-old Coventry striker Leon Best with the injured Noel Hunt missing along with Alex Bruce, Damien Delaney, Steve Finnan and Darren O’Dea from the party initially named for the last two qualifiers against Bulgaria and Italy.

Trapattoni said: “Preparations for the game against Nigeria on May 29 will allow us to see some new players who have distinguished themselves during the course of the last season, and also to welcome back players like Caleb Folan and Kevin Foley.

“Nigeria is a powerhouse of African football, with many strong and fast players who are playing for top clubs in England and Europe.

“They will provide a challenging test before the very important World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria on June 6.”

A positive result in Sofia would cement the unbeaten Republic’s second-place standing in Group eight behind reigning world champions Italy.

Bulgaria managed to hold Trapattoni’s side to a 1-1 draw at Croke Park in March when Kevin Kilbane’s late own-goal cancelled out Richard Dunne’s opener.

However, Ireland made amends in Bari four days later when skipper Robbie Keane’s 88th-minute strike ensured they returned with a point after Vincenzo Iaquinta had put Italy’s 10-men in front.

The Republic currently trail the Italians by two points and are five better off then their nearest rivals for the runners-up spot, Bulgaria.

A draw would maintain that gap and a victory extend it with just three games to play – a difficult trip to Cyprus, where the wheels came off in the last European Championships qualifying campaign, in September, and home clashes with Italy and Montenegro the following month.

That would give them a genuine platform to push for qualification for next summer’s finals in South Africa, although no-one is taking anything for granted.

Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan, who has become a fixture in Trapattoni’s side, said: “We have done well in the qualifiers, but if we want to progress, then the Bulgaria game is the kind we need to win.

“We have to work hard and do things right. It would be unbelievable to get to the finals, but I am taking it one step at a time.”